TEACHING IN NY & FL - ALL THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES! Salary, Tenure, Schedules, Special Education & More

[@LearningWithLau]

Are you a teacher? Where do you teach?

[@angelsuarez2006]

Hi Lauren! I also have my NYS professional license as well and am thinking about moving back to Florida. When you received reciprocity from FL, did you lose your NYS license? Or do you still have the ability to teach in both Florida and NY?

[@LearningWithLau]

@@angelsuarez2006 That's a really good question. I haven't looked into that yet. I did not cash out my retirement in NY yet. I was actually going to sub for my previous school in NY in June, but with the craziness of 2020 it never happened. If you find out, let me know :)

[@haloisland]

Hi Lau Thanks for reply my comment. Yes I am a teacher in NJ. I teach 4th bilingual education. I was goin to ask you if have done a video explaining the 300 hrs for the reading and 60 hrs for ESOL courses. Can you provide details about these courses Thanks

[@mcorpilla1914]

I randomly found this video. I too was a teacher on Long Island- Nassau County. My husband now is an SRO down here. Just in terms of salary, not even the higher ups in Florida could take home what a teacher in say Great Neck or Manhasset does. Seems there are lots more education requirements on LI and no shortage of services. My friends are all waiting to move down here simply because as you mentioned, there aren't proper services for kids with special needs like push in or pullout teachers. I'm so happy you are enjoying Florida. I'm making the move back to teaching next month. Lawd help me! Thanks for the video!

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Mc Orpilla! Thank you so much for watching. Yes, everyday I'm learning more and more about the differences teaching in FL vs NY. You mentioned that you are going back to teaching next month...how is that going? In which county are you teaching?

[@abbyabroad]

Haha, see this now after my comment on your other video. Appreciate this!

[@LearningWithLau]

Any time! Happy Teaching!

[@SaudiTravelsWithAndrew]

Wow, an open space in Florida! Palm trees outside! Woot woot! I’m 24 and I am now applying for a temporary teaching license as a career changer. I really want to move from DC to Miami. Your video really makes my dream realistic :D thank you

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Andrew! Thanks for watching. :) I'm so glad you enjoyed my video. I hope you love teaching in Miami. Good luck to you :)

[@stephanienguyen0323]

In my district and my school, we co-teach. I agree, when done right, it’s great! I have an amazing ESE teacher who I co-teach with.

[@LearningWithLau]

Yes, it's all about the chemistry! Thanks for watching! :)

[@120paj]

This was very helpful 👍🏾 thank you for the explanation 🙂

[@LearningWithLau]

You are so welcome!

[@adventuresinmiddleschoolma4128]

This video was incredibly helpful! I am a math teacher in Texas and I am moving to Florida this summer. Thank you so much for the insight!

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much for watching! I'm glad I could help! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I also made a follow up to this video if you'd like to check it out kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXSTfIuLfrmoaqs

[@dogmomofive7011]

Teacher in NJ with only 4 years until retirement. I’m so tempted to move to Fl, but it I make it 4 more here I get insurance for life at a really cheap rate.

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello! Thank you for watching! I would wait it out the few years to retire for sure. Florida will always be here! :)

[@espanolfacilmp4269]

Greetings. Excellent video.

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much!

[@TeacherKellyTag]

So interesting to hear the differences.

[@LearningWithLau]

Right!? There are so many more LOL. I feel like I keep finding out more and more every day.

[@sunsetkizz1]

This is 100% accurate. Since I recently did the reverse move. Giving it 1-2yrs before moving back. Time will tell. 🤷‍♂️It was a $35k pay increase.

[@LearningWithLau]

Yes!! Good for you! I miss that NY money! Happy teaching :)

[@damedechatfou3832]

I grew up in central Florida and would love to move back. But it’s seems like I make a lot more money in Vegas. According to the numbers you showed, I make the same as a teacher with 25 years experience and I’ve only taught one fifth of that time. We also get retention bonuses regardless of performance. I might just have to retire there.

[@LearningWithLau]

How many more years until you retire? If the pay is significantly less than what you are making now- I would maybe stay put until then. :(

[@stephanienguyen0323]

I teach in Tampa, Florida at an elementary school. 🥰 A lot of my family still lives in Islip, Long Island.

[@LearningWithLau]

Wow! I'm from Smithtown!

[@stephanienguyen0323]

I was born in Smithtown! Such a small world we live in. Crazy.

[@LearningWithLau]

@@stephanienguyen0323 What!? Wow! That's so funny!

[@MrVixxx69]

How’s teaching in Tampa? I’m a teacher in Portland, OR and thinking of moving to Fl for the weather mainly.

[@stephanienguyen0323]

@@MrVixxx69 It is all I know lol. I’m 14 years in. I enjoy my job and still love it. This year has been stressful, but I believe this is the trend all over. The warm weather is also nice! Lol. I’m sure the pay will be less though. :-(

[@thebreestylez]

Thank you for this video it was helpful 💜💜

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much for watching! Happy to help! :)

[@stephanienguyen0323]

PLC’S are the best! Collaboration is what makes teachers great! In my County, we have instructional guides, as well. But...I do what’s best for my students. I’m like you, I’m not a robot lol. Teach to the standards and all is good! That stinks about tenure! When I started in 2008, it was still a thing. I am grandfathered into tenure.

[@LearningWithLau]

Very interesting! Yeah, I love collaboration and seeing what works for different teachers. Thanks for watching! :)

[@stephanienguyen0323]

Learning With Lau Of course! Love your channel!

[@damedechatfou3832]

CRMs are probably handy for new teachers. I never slept my first year from writing lesson plans.

[@LearningWithLau]

Yes, they come in handy for new teachers for sure. I came to FL with 10 years of experience and I wanted to do something more creative than the lessons they provided. I created more work for myself, but I loved what I was teaching.

[@walshdog61]

Appreciate the information - I am about to graduate from Central Michigan with my bachelors in Mathematics with secondary education certification. I want to move near the Orlando area and work at Disney part time as well (did the Disney college program). Great insight here, I appreciate it!

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much for watching! I love Disney! There are tons of new apartment complexes popping up all over Orlando; you'll find a place in no time. :) Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[@walshdog61]

@@LearningWithLau absolutely! Have heard that teachers are desperately needed throughout Florida so just keeping my eyes open for positions!

[@LearningWithLau]

@@walshdog61 They are definitely looking for teachers! When I was looking for a job here, I emailed the school principals directly. This allows you to stand out. I also hear that they have plenty of job fairs with different schools as well.

[@GeetaDevi-ws5vo]

@@LearningWithLau how one can have emails of school principals ?

[@LearningWithLau]

@@GeetaDevi-ws5vo If you go to any school's website, they have teachers' and administrators' email addresses.

[@comronfouladi9583]

This was extremely helpful. I’m going from Indiana to Florida.

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much for watching! So glad I could help. What part of Florida are you moving to? I'm going to be creating a new video soon about how to get certified to teach in Florida.

[@willybeama1]

I was considering FL but that salary is so low. Wow. I have a Master’s and I just can’t imagine making such low pay.

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Willie! Yes, I have my masters as well. If I started my career in FL I probably would not have my masters as it does not pay enough. Where are you teaching?

[@mandy4887]

I learned so much!

[@LearningWithLau]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@abbyabroad]

It sounds like NY’s schedule actually allows you time to plan AND have meetings… while in FL as you say, nope! One prep only. I taught six groups in block scheduling and was EXHAUSTED because I had 200 kids as a result!! Thankfully only had one prep or I wouldn’t have survived 😂

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Abby! Yes, you are right. NY does give you a lot of time to plan. Here in FL, our schedules are very different. In what county do you teach?

[@johnnyboyvan]

You seem like an intense elementary rather than secondary teacher. 100k in Canada 🇨🇦. 2 weeks Winter, 2 weeks Spring. Amen 🙏

[@LearningWithLau]

Haha thank you! I'm a pretty intense high school teacher :P

[@damedechatfou3832]

I’m noticing this is from a few years ago. I think the salary has increased. We make a lot more in Vegas. Pretty low cost of living and no state taxes here.

[@LearningWithLau]

When I first moved to FL the cost of living was much lower...a lot has changed.

[@damedechatfou3832]

I teach in Las Vegas. Very similar set up as Orlando.

[@LearningWithLau]

Interesting!

[@shakeramarner3308]

Love it

[@LearningWithLau]

Thank you so much!

[@helloteacherjenn1036]

There were significant differences when I taught in Florida and then in Texas.

[@LearningWithLau]

Which did you prefer?

[@helloteacherjenn1036]

Learning With Lau there are pros and cons to both, but the Dallas Ft Worth area districts pay much much much more than Hillsborough County Florida.

[@LearningWithLau]

@@helloteacherjenn1036 Good to know! Thank you! :)

[@solg1391]

Nyc teacher here really considering moving yo Texas but dang this ny teacher salary is holding me back. Any tips, help! Lol

[@solg1391]

To*

[@LearningWithLau]

Yeah, it's definitely something to consider. I would look into the areas that you'd like to move to and do some research. See how much rent/housing, taxes, and basic living expenses might be. Also think about WHY you want to move to Texas. If those reasons outweigh your salary then go for it! Take a trip and tour areas you'd want to live in, meet the people, go to local spots and see if you'd enjoy living there. That's what I did before moving to Florida. I absolutely love living in Florida! I'm SO happy I took a leap of faith and moved. Hope this helps! Good luck to you. Happy teaching! :)

[@solg1391]

@@LearningWithLau thank you for the great tip! How's teaching going in Florida?

[@Mari-ou9ny]

Hi! Thank you for such an informative video! Do you work in the public school system in Orlando?

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Maria! Thank you for visiting my channel. Yes, I do work in the public school system. I am currently teaching in Osceola County.

[@Mari-ou9ny]

@@LearningWithLau wow! I’m working on obtaining my license, and I’m kind of nervous about the amount of work that entails because I’ll be teaching at the same time, starting next school year. So I’m glad I found your videos! 😁

[@LearningWithLau]

@@Mari-ou9ny Thanks for watching! SO glad I could help you with your journey. Where will you be teaching?

[@jessicarabbit111384]

With cost of living having gone up, increase of people moving to Florida, inflation in general - how is teaching in Florida currently compared to NY? Still happy with the move? Any regrets?

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello! Thank you for watching. Yes, it has been challenging in regard to inflation and cost of living, but I don't have any regrets moving here. I love the weather and I have met some wonderful people. I'm embracing this chapter of my life regardless of the obstacles I've faced. Thank you for asking! :)

[@Lilginabanina]

Hi does Florida have seits? The spec Ed teachers that bounce to diff schools providing push in pull out services.

[@LearningWithLau]

That's a great question! I will have to look into it. I'm not sure.

[@Lilginabanina]

@@LearningWithLau I went to Miami dade school board last summer and spoke with them in person and yes they do. Contract service providers is the title.

[@jondiamond5865]

My wife is having issues getting information about transferring her teaching license from IL to FL, do you have any tips to help her? I appreciate it!!

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Jon. Thanks for watching! I'm not sure where you've looked yet for information on transferring her license, but this is the site I used and it was very easy to transfer my certification. www.fldoe.org/teaching/certification/pathways-routes/certified-teacher-or-administrator.stml But NY has reciprocity with FL, so that's why I just paid around $90 to transfer. I'm not sure how it works with other states. Something else you can do is have her apply to districts and during the interview, ask about getting certified. FL is in need of teachers, so they will pretty much hire you even before your certification has transferred. I was told that the school that hired me would also help to speed up the certification process for me. Hope this helps!

[@polancoloammi6938]

Can I ask you something my wife is a para professional in. New york she is being doing that for 7 year how is the process for her to keep working in Florida as para professional??

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Polanco! I am not sure about the credentials for para professionals. I would assume that she would be able to find a job rather quickly here in FL. Check out the salary before making the move. She may not earn as much as in NY.

[@isabellaflorentina7574]

$15 an hour and she will constantly be pulled to sub for teachers out because it's so bad here no one wants to even sub and they can't get subs. Teaching in Florida is substandard and the PAy is horrible. 25 years in and making 500 more than a brand new teacher.

[@Thatgirllincoln]

I’m a teacher in Orlando too! I’m thinking about resigning due to many of these things! How are you doing now that you are not teaching?

[@LearningWithLau]

I actually am still teaching. I resigned from my job, was offered another position, that fell through...and well, I explain it all in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO6ZGpnmLOeqK8

[@haloisland]

Hi Lau I am a 4th grade teacher in NJ thinking to relocate in the Orlando area with a job offer. But there are some things that motivate me to move and other to stay in NJ. I still struggle how a teacher in FL keep the same salary for 13 years based on the salary scale. Health benefits are not that great in FL. After these years working there do you regret what you did and are there options to increase your salary working as teacher in FL. Thanks

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Jose! Thanks for watching! I totally understand where you are coming from. Health benefits are not the same. I chose the free option through my school, but I believe there are two other options that you can pay for and the benefits are better. I'm going to look into those this year. As far as I know, you just increase your salary with years of experience and occasional bonuses. If you moderate a club or coach, you'll get money for that as well. I don’t regret moving here because I truly enjoy living in Florida, but the salary is something to get used to. Also consider WHERE in Florida you're looking to movie. I hear health benefits are better outside of Orlando. Salary also depends on the county you are looking to live in as well. I hope this helps!! :) Happy Teaching!

[@mariaanaya7539]

Would you happen to know how the process works the other way around? I’m in Florida and I’m finishing my bachelors in psych and crim, so I’m going to try and get an early education degree and finding something here either in preschool or 1st-3rd grade. I wanted to see if it was better salary wise in ny or fl from your perspective? I know you teach mainly 7-12 education so I know it may be different.

[@LearningWithLau]

Teaching in NY is a lot better salary wise. If you are getting certified here and then moving to NY to teach, you'll probably have to take the certification tests in NY. New York teachers are highly desirable to other states, because NY teachers have to do a lot of preparation, student teaching, testing, schooling, etc to get certified. Also, it's much harder to get a teaching job in NY (or at least it was when I was living there). But the pay is definitely worth it, if that is something you are interested in.

[@mariaanaya7539]

@@LearningWithLau oh that’s very interesting! Yeah here in Florida there is such a desperate need for teachers so it’s a lot easier to get a job here, but I would prefer a higher income in a busier state like ny. How would you say affordability is for renting as a teacher is in ny just for one person, more so with early education because I have heard they do make less. Not necessarily Manhattan but in any burrow (I’m not sure if that’s how it is spelled) in general.

[@LearningWithLau]

@@mariaanaya7539 So it is a bit more expensive to rent an apartment on your own on a teacher's salary, but people definitely do it. I decided to live at home until I moved in with my boyfriend, because I wanted to save up some money first. Rent ranges from $1k-$3k depending on where you are and if you have roommates. Hope this helps!

[@mariaanaya7539]

@@LearningWithLau Definitely, that’s very helpful! Thank you! :)

[@LearningWithLau]

@@mariaanaya7539 Good I'm glad. You're welcome!

[@jessicalynn4415]

When you say there's no co teaching, does that include in class support teachers? So... does Florida have in class support teachers for students with IEPS in gen ed classes?

[@LearningWithLau]

Great question! I actually have a new position as a co-teacher in a new county, so they do have co-teaching here, but it depends on the county and the school. Definitely do your research, because it varies.

[@jessicalynn4415]

@@LearningWithLau Thank you!

[@LearningWithLau]

@@jessicalynn4415 You're welcome!

[@tarashakeshaft1090]

Do you need to improve the scores every year? Like eventually you can only get perfect scores to get a bonus? How do they assess improvement? IS there a lot of testing?

[@LearningWithLau]

I'm not sure about your first question. They assess improvement based on FSA scores from one year to the next. We also have testing throughout the year for evaluating how well students know the standards. We use data constantly. I'm not a fan of testing, but yes I think we test quite a bit.

[@nataliec3665]

I will be moving to Florida with my initial certificate for elem and special Ed. Since I only have that initial certificate, do I have to do anything extra besides paying the $75 for each area? Thanks!

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello Natalie! Thanks for watching. Are you moving from NY to FL? As far as I know, that’s all you have to pay. I explore more about getting certified to teach in FL in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWXFgYaqq9CnnZI hope this helps!! Happy Teaching 😊

[@januaryelikah8448]

In Florida, are you paid every summer, winter, spring and other breaks?

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello! Thanks for watching! I get a large check at the end of the school year which is my "summer pay," but depending on the county you work for, you can get larger checks throughout the school year (and budget your money for the summer) or choose to do what I did, and get a large check for the summer. Each county is different.

[@infinitychannel4297]

How do FL schools determine placement on the salary schedule? Was it simply years of experience and education level? I've looked at some FL county pay schedules and they don't make a lot of sense (Flagler Co. as one example).

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello! Thank you for visiting my channel. From what I've experienced at the counties I've worked in, your salary is based on years teaching. You also need to have proof of your teaching experience in order to move up the pay scale. What is frustrating about the county I am currently teaching in is that you need to have 13 years experience before you get a raise AND you'll only receive a $50 raise. None of it makes sense.

[@abbyabroad]

It varies by county! Be very careful to get the EXACT details on your county’s reqs.

[@gregorycraig8214]

Why did you leave Long Island to go to Florida?

[@LearningWithLau]

Hey Gregory! I just wanted a change. My boyfriend and I love Disney, so we wanted to be closer. Also we love the weather in Florida and the cost of living is cheaper (depending on where you move in Florida). We were just looking for something new.

[@karenjdavis8]

Do you have to write IEP's?

[@LearningWithLau]

Hi Karen! Thanks for watching! I am just teaching ELA (general education) here in Florida, so I don’t have to write IEPs. If I taught Special Education here, I would have to write them. I do attend IEP and 504 meetings and complete forms for the meetings as the general education teacher.

[@tarashakeshaft1090]

thinking of moving to FL. HS math teacher in CA. Are you guys in school? Masks? Thanks!

[@LearningWithLau]

YES! Thanks so much for watching! :) I have a video about that as well... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6W7paKKoNWBf9U

[@CG-xp7nd]

Wow! thank you for uploading this! I am NYC public school teacher in Brooklyn and am actually considering making the move to St. Pete, FL. Worried about salary being an issue. I have tenure , my master's, and going into my 5th year of service. I'm not sure what my salary would be...

[@CG-xp7nd]

I'm wondering if the lack of prep times is because of CRMs

[@LearningWithLau]

You're welcome! Salary really depends on your county. I would do some research. But St. Pete is BEAUTIFUL! So even if the salary isn't the best...you're pretty much living in paradise :) Thanks for watching!

[@LearningWithLau]

Yes, it is definitely because of the CRMs. Again, I'm personally not a huge fan, because I like to teach what I am passionate about, but the CRMs are helpful.

[@gregcraigjreducationstorie3347]

I live on Long Island that commute to NYC. What turned me off from NYC is Mayor Deblasio tyranny and how the teachers are going along with it and not fighting

[@LearningWithLau]

Are you a teacher in NYC?

[@gregcraigjreducationstorie3347]

@@LearningWithLau Yes I am currently right now teaching in NYC

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

So not worth teaching in Florida. The cost of living isn't that much less than in NY. Performance bonuses don't reflect quality of teaching.

[@LearningWithLau]

It depends on where you’re living and where you’re teaching. I agree with you completely about performance bonuses. 😕

[@isabellaflorentina7574]

Anyone who deliberately comes to Florida to teach is crazy. They work you to death, don't respect you as a professional, blame everything on you, and pay you substandard wages.

[@LearningWithLau]

Hello! Yes, teaching down here does have its downfalls, but there are negatives to teaching everywhere.